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Scottish government infrastructure secretary, Michael Matheson, has launched the latest update of his administration’s infrastructure programme, detailing £1.4bn of new building projects completed in the last year as part of the programme.

Launching the progress report, Matheson said that infrastructure investment plays a key role in achieving the government’s ambition to create an inclusive, sustainable economy. “Our commitment to this is reflected in our Economic Strategy, Programme for Government and our Infrastructure Investment Plan,” he said.

Matheson outlined the government’s key achievements over the course of 2018-19 including the full opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project, the opening of NHS Scotland's Pharmaceutical Specials Service facility and the completion of 19 new schools. In total over the course of 2018-19, infrastructure projects worth more than £1.4bn completed construction and opened to the public within the government’s project pipeline.

“Looking ahead, our project pipeline publication also shows that infrastructure projects totalling almost £3.1bn are estimated to be in construction across Scotland during 2019-20,” Matheson said. “Our Programme for Government commitment to have a National Infrastructure Mission will increase annual investment by 1% of 2017 Scottish GDP by the end of the next parliament. This will provide economic stimulus and boost our international competitiveness,” he said.

Matheson said that the government’s £5bn commitment to infrastructure investment in 2019-20 will support 50,000 affordable homes, delivery of the extension of early learning and childcare, new roads and railways, electric vehicles and delivery of 100% superfast broadband across Scotland.

The infrastructure secretary said that his government looked forward to continuing to work with the private sector, local government, and all its stakeholders to maximise the benefits of infrastructure investment to the people of Scotland.